~ Strangers At The Table ~

A message from a sister was sent out to three siblings. A chance to meet and catch up. Could everyone's schedules match up for an evening meal? It seems so hard to make this work. You can all relate…I'm sure. Just us four and no more. That sounded intriguing!                                             


There are four people in this pic…my two brothers and my sister…and me!  We are like stair steps in age…45, 46, 48, and 49. There is that perfect time of the year where our ages are literally perfectly lined up. Mom was one busy lady!! :)

It has been literally years since the four of us met to have a meal together…just the four of us. Strange how years can pass you by and no time is taken to sit down with three other people you did life with since the day you came into the world. Very strange feeling came over me last night as I sat there looking at these three people. 

When I drove away from this meeting spot…the words…Strangers At The Table came pouring into my thoughts. 

It was a good time had last night at Cracker Barrel. Conversation was exchanged and there were laughs. No pressure talk or agendas. Just four people trying their best to reconnect in the midst of busy schedules, busy lives and some with families waiting at home upon their arrivals. Yet, in this place where time stood still, I noticed these four people didn't know much about one another's lives. We know the basic things…the things that make us a family. However, in some strange and mixed up way…we were and are kinda like strangers meeting for the first time. There's an awkwardness and a getting to know you feeling. Tumbling around to create trust with one another. 

Yet, I found that to be ok. I sat there with a sense of calmness and serenity. With a feeling of just resting in the fact that it was a good thing to have come together and just be. 

I'm on the right of the pic and next to me is my baby brother, Paul. He was my playmate. My friend and still to this day we have a connection and a special bond. William is across from me…the oldest sibling. William is my analytical brother. Can remodel a home and create art with such beauty. A gentle man. Jennifer is my only sister. We haven't ever been super close…but, I know in a heart beat she would be here if I needed her. She is dedicated and driven…I'm proud to call her my sister.  I'm very proud of these three strangers…family…dedicated people who love their families and love others. 

Even though I left last night with this intense emotion that I don't know much about these three people…we don't go deep…we haven't had many times like this as adults. I found myself wanting more times At The Table with these four. Times to become friends and move away from the Stranger Place. Times to capture heart and dig deep into these precious lives.

Thankful a sister sent out a message. Thankfully four people took the time to rearrange their schedules. Thankfully four people put aside time to become vulnerable in order to capture a memory making moment in order to connect at a deeper level. 

I'd like to meet more Strangers At The Table.

Community and Love can grow around these Standing Still Moments in places where we slow ourselves down and sit and capture heart moments. 

Love you all three!! 

 Paul & Becka

The four of us and mom 

 Our Family!! 

William, Jennifer, Becka & Paul